Wednesday, 14 November 2012

The symbol of Germany, the Brandenburger Tor at Pariser Platz in Berlin

Most of the time when you watch a movie recorded in the streets of Berlin, it features the Brandenburger Tor. This victory arch like so many all over the world is the National Symbol of the Unified Germany. It was here at this location, the most famous part of the Berlin wall was located. The Brandenburger Tor stood on the East side of Berlin and the black and white picture below gives you an idea of how it looked during the cold war. I took the picture from a poster in a Berlin museum. Careful, you are leaving West Berlin!!!

How to go to the Brandenburger Tor with public transport? It is very easy because it has an underground metro station at the Pariser Platz. When you are in Berlin you have to visit this historical monument and the Pariser Platz. There are always many people on this square, they want to see the arch and visit other attractions in the area like Unter den Linten, The Reichstag or the Adlon Hotel. Next to the views on Pariser Platz, there are also fountains, street entertainment and tours starting here.

The Brandenburger Tor was completed in 1791 but a few years later in 1806, Napoleon removed the chariot with the four horses. After his victory over Preusen, he took this statue with him to Paris as a souvenir. It stayed there for 8 years until Napoleon was defeated by the allied forces in 1814. It is remarkable that the name of the square is Pariser Platz and that also the French Embassy is located here. Some things in the war and love games are not understandable for non politicians, I assume.

So much history on this very location! I have been there as a child, and someday I shall visit again! Thanks for sharing such lovely photos, that green grass and shrubs on the grounds what a photo you captured there! Bravo!